Phi Kappa Phi study abroad grant supports student's international perspective on furniture design
Monday, Aug. 26, 2013
MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University graduate student has received a study abroad grant from Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.
Josef Lang, master's student in interior architecture and product design, Bellevue, Neb., is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the $1,000 award. He used it to study abroad in Denmark this summer.
"Josef is the 21st student from K-State to receive a Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant since its inception," said Jim Hohenbary, assistant dean nationally competitive scholarships. "It is always exciting to see our students seeking out global experience, and it is great to hear that Phi Kappa Phi has chosen to recognize and support Josef as he seeks to develop that international perspective."
Lang attended the Danish Institute for Study Abroad. He took two courses, History of Furniture Design in Scandinavia and Furniture Design-Build Studio, where he designed a chair out of steel rod.
"Our professors were incredible and made the experience priceless," Lang said. "Working with them in the studio as well as during fabrication was unbelievable."
Phi Kappa Phi's Study Abroad Grant support students, both members and nonmembers, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields. Since the program's inception in 2001, the society has awarded more than $500,000 in study abroad grants.
Lang's honors include an Excellence in Steel Furniture Design and Fabrication from the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, National Residence Hall Honorary Member of the Year and National Residence Hall Honorary Freshman Student of the Year. He also was named to the university's honors list for the fall and spring 2012 semesters, fall and spring 2011 semesters and the fall 2010 semester.
He is the president of St. Isidore's Catholic Student Center, served as Kansas State University's National Residence Hall Honorary community service chair from 2011-2012 and was a Relay for Life team captain in 2012. A graduate of Bellevue East High School, Lang is the son of Joe and Frans Lang, Bellevue, Neb.
Students interested in learning more about competing for future Phi Kappa Phi awards or other scholarships can contact Jim Hohenbary at jimlth@k-state.edu.
